Gulf Coast · Florida

Bay Bayou RV Resort

Bay Bayou RV Resort is a large private RV resort in Tampa, Florida, on Double Branch Creek at 8492 Manatee Bay Drive, and the convenience pick in our Gulf Coast guide (Fort De Soto is the nature pick). It has 353 sites: 300 oversized full-hookup standard sites with concrete patios, cable and WiFi, plus the newer Bayou Grande section of 53 luxury sites with extended concrete pads and 50 to 100-amp service. It suits snowbirds and multi-week visitors, big rigs, and anyone using Tampa as a base for the airport, Gulf beaches and city services.

Bay Bayou RV Resort at a glance

Hookups Full (30/50 amp, water, sewer) — Bayou Grande sites up to 100 amp
Sites 353 total (300 standard + 53 Bayou Grande)
Max RV length 45 ft+
Cost $55–85/night (seasonal rates vary; monthly rates available)
Reservations Direct booking at rvparkflorida.com
Location Tampa (8492 Manatee Bay Dr)
Amenities Heated pool, clubhouse, fitness center, dog park, pickleball, fishing docks
Cell signal Strong (all carriers)

Why RVers stay here

Bay Bayou RV Resort is a large private RV resort in Tampa, Florida, on Double Branch Creek at 8492 Manatee Bay Drive, and the convenience pick in our Gulf Coast guide (Fort De Soto is the nature pick). It has 353 sites: 300 oversized full-hookup standard sites with concrete patios, cable and WiFi, plus the newer Bayou Grande section of 53 luxury sites with extended concrete pads and 50 to 100-amp service. It suits snowbirds and multi-week visitors, big rigs, and anyone using Tampa as a base for the airport, Gulf beaches and city services.

Every site is full hookup with 30/50-amp, water and sewer, and rigs of 45 feet and more fit. Our guide lists rates around $55 to $85 per night with seasonal variation and monthly rates available; book directly at rvparkflorida.com. Winter is peak snowbird season, so reserve early for long stays. Amenities include a heated pool, clubhouse, fitness center, dog park, pickleball and fishing docks, and cell signal is strong on all carriers. The trade-off is that this is a polished suburban resort, not a natural setting; you are about 20 minutes from the airport and 30 from the beaches.

  • 353 full-hookup sites, all with concrete patios, cable and WiFi
  • Bayou Grande's 53 luxury sites offer extended pads and 50-100 amp electric for heavy AC loads or EV charging
  • Resort amenities: heated pool, clubhouse, fitness center, pickleball, dog park and fishing docks
  • Convenient Tampa base: about 20 minutes to the airport and 30 to Gulf beaches, with services close by
  • Big-rig friendly at 45 feet and up
  • !Lacks the natural beauty of Fort De Soto; this is a resort in the Tampa suburbs
  • !Rates vary seasonally and winter fills with snowbirds, so book long stays early

What our guides say about Bay Bayou RV Resort

Excerpts from the RV Parks Guide articles that cover this campground. Each links to the full guide.

Regional guide

Florida's Gulf Coast RV Parks: Pensacola to Naples

If Fort De Soto is the nature option, Bay Bayou is the convenience option. This is Tampa's premier private RV resort — 300 oversized, full-hookup sites on Double Branch Creek with concrete patios, cable TV, and WiFi. It's a polished park that caters to both snowbirds and short-term visitors.

Bay Bayou recently added Bayou Grande, a section of 53 luxury sites with extended concrete pads and 50–100 amp electric service. If you're running heavy AC loads or charging an EV, these sites handle it.

Bay Bayou works well as a Tampa base camp — you're 20 minutes from the airport, 30 from the Gulf beaches, and close to grocery stores and services. It doesn't have the natural beauty of Fort De Soto, but the full hookups and resort amenities make multi-week stays comfortable.

Read the guide →

Our verdict

Book Bay Bayou if you want a comfortable full-hookup Tampa base for a multi-week or snowbird stay, especially in a big rig. Skip it if you came for beachfront or wild Florida scenery.

Bay Bayou RV Resort: frequently asked questions

Does Bay Bayou RV Resort have full hookups?

Yes. All sites have 30/50-amp electric, water and sewer, and the Bayou Grande sites go up to 100 amp.

How much does Bay Bayou RV Resort cost per night?

Our guide lists roughly $55-$85 per night depending on season and site type, with monthly rates available. Confirm current pricing when booking.

What is the max RV length at Bay Bayou RV Resort?

Sites are oversized and handle rigs of 45 feet and more; the Bayou Grande sites have extended concrete pads.

How far is Bay Bayou RV Resort from Tampa airport and the beaches?

About 20 minutes from Tampa International Airport and around 30 minutes from the Gulf beaches, with grocery stores and services close by.

Do you need reservations at Bay Bayou RV Resort?

Book directly at rvparkflorida.com. Winter snowbird season is busy, so reserve well ahead for extended stays.

More campgrounds around Gulf Coast

Compare alternatives before you book — or browse the whole Florida hub.